He is choosing God.
In 2019, Lucas Black made a pivotal decision: to depart from his role on “NCIS: New Orleans” in favor of prioritizing his family. This choice, made five years ago, remains one he deeply cherishes. Reflecting on his decision, Black, now 41 and a father of three, shared with The Christian Post the personal reasoning behind his departure.
“The demanding schedule of ‘NCIS: New Orleans,’ characterized by long and grueling hours, prompted me to step back,” Black explained. “There came a point where sacrificing time away from my family was no longer feasible. My wife and I deliberated over this and had a plan in place. Eventually, I reached a juncture where I realized I had to prioritize my family.”
Black delves into the innate desire within men to provide and protect, acknowledging the potential conflict between career pursuits and maintaining meaningful relationships. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy balance, recognizing that an excessive focus on career can strain relationships with spouses and children.
Drawing parallels between his own journey and that of the Smallbone family, depicted in the upcoming film “Unsung Hero,” Black underscores the significance of family and faith amidst adversity. The film portrays David Smallbone’s resilience as he navigates financial struggles and uncertainties while relocating his family to Nashville in pursuit of a better life.
In “Unsung Hero,” Black portrays Jed Albright, a character who extends hospitality to the Smallbone family during their challenging transition. Directed by Joel Smallbone and Richard Ramsey, the film showcases the family’s reliance on prayer and community support as they find success in the Christian music industry.
Black praises the film’s authenticity in depicting the Smallbones’ journey, capturing both their triumphs and tribulations. He emphasizes the universal themes of struggle, reconciliation, and the strength found in familial bonds.
Through his involvement in projects like “Unsung Hero,” Black seeks to align his work with his Christian values, aiming to uplift and inspire audiences. He highlights the importance of promoting stories that reinforce faith and family values, a mission shared by production companies like Kingdom Story Company.
While acknowledging the growing demand for family-friendly content, Black remains cautious about Hollywood’s willingness to embrace this shift wholeheartedly. He believes there is still a prevalent agenda within the industry that may hinder the proliferation of such content.
Despite facing criticism for his conservative viewpoints, Black finds solace in the support he receives from fellow believers. He remains steadfast in his commitment to use his platform to encourage and edify others, aspiring to make a positive impact and draw people closer to their faith.
Ultimately, Black’s journey serves as a testament to the power of faith, family, and perseverance in navigating life’s challenges and staying true to one’s beliefs.